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ZMF Verite Closed Review and comparisons with Utopia, HD800 & LCD4
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ส.ค. 2024
- ZMF Verite Closed Review and comparisons with Utopia, HD800 & LCD4. Auteur vs Universe solid pads & an overview on the build quality.
Music by: Notaker
Song: Believe - Notaker
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I still want to hear these at home... so difficult to get ahold of a review pair lol
Appreciate the comment Metal, I am a long time viewer of yours :D
I would also encourage you to try get your hands on a pair of the D8000pro!!
instaBlaster...
absolutely brilliant headphones
Great breakdown man. I do agree that there are a couple of very fine details that would elevate the build quality from A to S quality. For me the Leopardwood Limited Edition with Suede Eikon pads is my absolute favourite headphone. You nailed all the reasons I like the VC, even down to it having less punch than Focal's offering - personally I find the Stelia hard work. Looking forward to your next vid man. Good stuff!
Thanks Dan, always a pleasure! I am still yet to receive my Eikon suede pads!
Thanks for sharing that, as mine will only have suede pads and I wasn't sure how'd they'd be.
Gorgeous cans, the fact that they are being compared to hi end open backs speak for itself. The best closed back headphones to this day, they bring joy not harsh and dry presentation.
Nice review, good to see someone who is critical at high price points where reviews tend to be worshipfull most of the time. Very strange that you compared the build quality negatively to Hifiman though - Hifiman is almost universally considered to have poorly built products, what with the vinyl wraps instead of wood, cheap cables, and the square metal area around the connectors where rounded would look much better. ZMF by comparison seems to have some imperfections due to being partly hand-made instead of entirely factory assembled like the majority of products we are used to in the modern world, but they do seem very solidly build and premium feeling. The lifetime warranty on the drivers is also reassuring, especially when you consider that planar manufacturers like Hifiman and Audeze reportedly have regular cases of driver failure and driver variance.
Thankyou, surely no product is perfect no matter the price point or how good it may be. I want to share the ying and the yang. Yeah in the post production I was having those thoughts on HiFiman. I was more meaning just small oversights on the holes not being sanded neatly etc. appreciate the feedback a lot. Sorry I’m commenting from my personal account
I’ve loaned a set to test out and you’ve explained everything that I was thinking. Love the bass and chocolate like mids, treble is playful. The right ear fell off on this one as well lol. Thanks for the review
is it a big issue for the cup to fall out or not a big deal?
@@Viewer13128 not rly a big deal, screw it back or use a threadlock glue
Very nice review. I am lucky enough to own both VC and Utopia and it is true they complement each other very well.
bought based on this as one of a few reviews, not at all disappointed! Especially after a few days letting them burn in
Fantastic to hear it, still one of my favourites!
only deaf human being can be disappointed by VC :)
great video, I'm thinking of buying soon
These headphones look sick!
Showing a pic of the pads you talking about would've helped alot instead of just saying it , I don't and some don't remember the look of it ..
Thanks for this. I ordered the ZMF Verite Closed last month with Auteur and Eikon Suede pads. Hope to get them in August. My other headphones are LCD-X and it does seem like the Verite will, indeed, be offering something different and perhaps more premium. Keep up the good work.
@Lagunakid24 Overall, they are excellent headphones, especially for closed headphones. Everybody says this but the ear pads make a big different. They were too tipped up and energetic with the Auteur pads. The Eikon Suede pads made the sound smoother, warmer, more flat, and listenable. The bass is good but not as strong or deep as the LCD-X. Detail is amazing and the overall level of energy and excitement is high. The LCD-X is more laid back and nearly as detailed or a least detailed in a different way. Overall, I prefer open cans and my LCD-X are really excellent. I also seem to prefer planar magnetics. I wonder about true electrostats but the poor(?) bass puts me off. The build is weird in that the headband is too deep. I don't know if my ears are set way up on my head or maybe I have a flat head but there is absolutely no need for the rods as I have them pushed all the way up and it's still a bit loose. This is also how I see them online in videos so I reckon I'm not alone here. Perhaps if I was wearing three stocking hats I might extend the rods. Also, not good cans when wearing eyeglasses; ruins the fit/comfort.
@Lagunakid24 Yes, I suppose I prefer a more laid back presentation. The VC are interesting since they are energetic and involving and a bit laid back with the suede ear pads. The soundstage on the VC is impressively wide and open sounding. Now, the LCD-X is not known as a super wide soundstage headphone but the VC is similar. It images differently since it's like sitting closer to the stage but it's wide especially for a closed headphone. Forgot to mention, the reduced weight of the VC is welcome in comparison to the LCD-X.
@@jonandresen1483 LCD-X probably distort with tube amp like most planars where VC with tube amp shine even more. For my tastes VC got timbre, speed and punch like planars only can wish for. Maybe some planars can sound that natural but those are Susvara and they have to be powered proper so thats a cost of decent house in my country :)
Good info - you need a key light if you haven't bought already.
yeah... I definitely could upgrade the lighting, this will be next stop once I have bought a few more audio toys
Look like they've added locktite so the cups don't fall off
Mmm Verite Closed!!! The best!! Ha! Great video! Coming out of one of my favorite countries;) you did lose me a bit with the Hifiman “quality” ;) What was the audio chain you are using? DAC->amp? Just curious 😃 cheers!
Yeah "Hifiman quality"maybe wasnt the best choice of words but thats the risk in these 1 take videos hahaha.
I still feel they are such a piece of art. My VC are much more beautiful than my Utopia or D8000pro
Believe HiFi oh, man I was just messing around, wasn’t being serious about that... text is hard to convey that sometimes ha! Great video! Yeah Utopia is fun for sure! I prefer personally the Stellia (though not the color choices)... hopefully I’ll get a chance to try the D8000Pro soon :) cheers
Believe HiFi yes sir! Works of art By ZMF for sure!! I’m a bit of a fan ;) lol
@@TylersEclectic @Believe Hifi is the Stellia as detailed as the Utopia? Do the Stellia and VC complement each other well?
@@vincenthusvh I think they are a good compliment... I find the VC to be something a grab more often personally. Stellia is right there with Utopia, I think the Utopia is still slightly better in technicalities but the Stellia fits more in my sound preference, I think of the Stellia as a warmer Utopia lol.
Such an unfair comparison I love it
not really, they can compete with any headphones out there ❤ there are few soundstage monsters that have advantage in that regard but otherwise bring it on :)
Did you try the Stellia? If so what did you think about them?
Nice review ! How do you find the noise isolation on the VC? i.e keeping sound out.
I actually find it to be surprisingly good. I tested them out in a room with my brothers playing Co-op video games and with them watching TV in the background and whilst not perfect for critical listening it did really well
@@BelieveHiFi thanks! that's exactly the kind of noise I was looking to keep out. On my to buy list.
This or the Hifiman Arya?
I don't know.
Very tough question, I love them both :D
I think the Arya does sub bass better and has a grander sense of scale. The VC does have a nicer timbre though in my opinion.
It depends on music you listen to
What made you decide on the Closed rather than the Open and what amp are you using? I have an upgraded Cary 300SEI with two Genalex Golden Lion 300B power tubes, two Sylvania Bad Boy input tubes, and one Hytron preamp tube. And I’m trying to decide whether the Open or Closed would sound more pleasing for jazz, classical, folk, and world music. I listen to some rock but not that much. Any suggestions?
It is a very tough choice... I purely went for closed due to the fact I had a bunch of open backs already.
I would probably lean slightly towards the side of the open back
@@BelieveHiFi Yeah, I agree. I have the impression that the closed back is more of a front row experience while the open back is more like sitting in the middle of the concert hall. The closed back might be a better match for a laid back system. But my system already has so much energy and inner-detail, the closed back might sound a bit overwhelming.
BTW, I just got a Synergistic Research Orange Fuse for my CD player and the improvement is jaw-dropping. If you still have stock fuses in all your electronics, definitely replace them with the Orange. It's expensive but the improvement is really dramatic. Be sure to consult with Synergistic on the proper rating. It needs to be higher than the recommended rating because tolerances are very high.
@@LorenzoNW now you have Atrium to choose
I don't know man, 2,500$ for a pair of headphones and the ear cups fall off? Is that bad QC or just bad design/construction? Same goes for those cheap looking plastic grills. That's not even retro anymore. Kinda meh.
I was considering getting them, but this somehow turns me off a bit. Still love the woodwork and general design though.
I think it was just a little loose, Zack sent me out some supplies and now it is no longer an issue. They look stunning in real life !
I definitely go for buying a pair, they are a fantastic headphone, cant think of anything I'd rather have at the price. Although I do like the Arya....
@@BelieveHiFi Good to hear Zac followed up on the issue. I auditioned them and the sound is really great (at least to my ears). Might pull the trigger sometime soon. The "homemade" look kind of grew on me. And I really need something closed back for my surrounding at home. Was considering the Stellia, but am not sure about the bass on those (rather clinical).
Did you try the Verite with other cables than the ofc? If so, anything worthwhile?
@@kleinertester4244 Yeah I got the norne S3c I believe it was called, For me it felt like someone opened an extra window in a room, there was a tad more brightness and air there, I preferred the experience with this cable not only just what was audible but the quality and comfort too.
Zac is fantastic and I would purchase any new high end release in a heart beat!
thats minor issue that can be easily fixed, stupid decision not to buy them for sound alone
Does powering ZMF headphones with a tube amp indeed make a big difference (and arguebly a improvement) over solid state amplifiers? Can't decide to get the FeliksAudio Euforia or another headphone🤔
For me it really does make a big difference in the enjoyment factor. System synergy is everything, I would suggest trying to audition your headphones on a tube amp and doing A/B against your current system and seeing for yourself what you feel.
Feliks audio are very clean sounding for a tube
Yes, absolutely, they need the big Voltage swing capability for dynamics and punch.
yes its a big difference
What was your fav amplifier to pair with it?
Pathos Inpol is the best I heard with it
@@BelieveHiFi dear God thats expensive xD
Compared to Hifiman the buildquality is not on par? Are you serious? My Verite shits all over me HEKSE build quality wise!
They are way more sturdy compared to most new Hifimans and are absolutely gorgeous!
I agree as I said in another comment it was probably a bad example. I was just saying there are a few bits and pieces where you can feel that it should be a little more refined.
hifiman build quality is legendary ! Legendary rubbish ! haha
is ZMF Verite Closed better than open Verite?
its different, Closed is a bit fuller and lush sounding the verite open has a larger soundstage and more airy...
different strokes for different folks i guess
@@BelieveHiFi So do you think the Open may be a better match for my Cary 300SEI, which already has a full and lush sound signature?
@@LorenzoNW The issue is I haven't done a direct AB on your gear.. It is a tough one. My gut says maybe yes... BUT I cant no for certain that is for sure... I only like giving an opinion when I have had experience directly as audio is a a strange beast. Sometimes all the logic and all the wisdom will point to one thing but when you just ignore that and listen the opposite is true.
You should try the eikon perforated suede pads.
Might get my hands on them.
I have a few different pairs of pads and it seems the less padding/thinner the pads, the more "accurate" they get.
This may not translate to enjoyment for you though. Suade pads do take a little bitoff that brilliance region too.
I swap the pads all the time, even just on one album just to see which pad I like with that album haha
@@BelieveHiFi have you heard the aeolus.
Why would you use the perforated pads on a closed-back HP? You should only use solid pads on closed-back HP's
@@vincenthusvh you should use whatever sounds right to you
Thanks for the review! I've HD800 (sdr modded) and Stax SR007mk2 with a top class amp kgsshv that you might know. Haven't had a chance to listen to Verite but since having a Stax which all genres sound good on the specific model, I don't know whether I need a ZMF or not. Are you familiar with Stax top lines? Thanks again!
Sorry I missed this one!
Yes I have listened to STAX quite a lot actually. I will say that ZMF would be a fantastic alternative as it provides its main strengths in all the things that HD800 and STAX are weak in potentially.
12:58 You mentioned EDM. Besides the slam, do these sound great with EDM? May I ask which edm track did you test these on, or what genres were you listening to?
Dont get me wrong its still a good headphone for EDM I just think Planars tend to be better due to the sub bass, also I felt the Utopia had more suitability to EDM.
EDM stuff I listened to a bunch of tracks from the likes of Deadmau5, cristoph, camelphat, madeon, porter Robinson. Then i also listened to other electronic generes too
I listened to countless albums of every genre, I have owned them for a few months now.
I think they are arguably best for instruments and vocals, for example an album like Nick Gibbs - my mind it runs away album or Holly Cole on the track "I can see clearly now", Tracey chapman, diana krall, Norah Jones etc etc etc.
I will do a video and maybe even create a tidal playlists of my test tracks?
@@BelieveHiFi Thanks for your awesome response! I pretty much listen to those same artists too and have been trying to find the end game headphone for EDM. I do listen to a lot of vocal trance so I hope the VC (ordered it a few days ago) will do well in them. I do eventually want to own a planar one to witness its bass potential, but I guess for now I'll stick with my Ultrasone 900 for some subbass (it's treble and sibilance kills my ears though). What dac/amp did you drive with your VC again?
@@DJEcchi I have tired it out of so so many but my current dac/amp is the Bricasti m3h
The best planar (or headphones for that matter) I've ever heard for EDM is the Argon MK3's. The bass is just something else. But, it's not like it's at the detriment of other attributes you'd listen for with genres like EDM.
It also works great for gaming and movies as a result. Plus, it hits way above its price point.
LMK in 12 weeks once you've received yours and are basking in EDM heaven. ;)
@@asplmn The wait is unreal haha. I'll definitely give you my impressions when they arrive. Going to test against multiple subgenres (all kinds of trance and house, hardstyle, new age, dubstep, trap, etc). I still need to figure out which amp and dac I should get.
Are you getting in any of the other pads to try?
Yes I tried the Verite pads and I found the thinner the pad, the more "accurate"they sounded but not necessarily more enjoyable. You also lose out on soundstaging
How does this compare to the focal clear?
I much prefer it to the Clear.
When it comes to the Timbre and tonality its no contest at all... For me vocals are very important and here too, no contest
Clear got overall brighter presentation, more details at top in a sacrifice of natural timbre and tonality. Clear maybe can be a little bit faster(not for sure its not Stellia) but VC hit harder with more impact
Build quality not as good as Hifiman or Sennheiser? You're right is several leagues better than both! The ZMFs put the others to shame. I have several Hifiman, Sennheiser, and ZMF phones and I wouldn't even mention the former cans as being in the same universe as the ZMFs. It's no contest.
the ZMF headphones are surely beautiful
Audeze EL8 closed beats them all!!
different strokes for different folkes
@@BelieveHiFi lol! I changed my mind until now!😂 I had EL8 Titanium but It had clicky drivers issue and returned them. Now I use Austrian Audio hi-x55.. EL8s had poor sound dynamics by the way..
@@jimis3167 its all part of the fun and games, I was SUPER lucky to live next to one of the best headphone stores in the world and demo everything every day almost
@@BelieveHiFi Which store?
@@jimis3167 Minidisc in sydney